Will Keane missed out on Ireland’s match day squads as he was battling a groin injury.
The Wigan Athletic striker, 28, received a first call-up for the games against Azerbaijan and Qatar.
But the brother of Everton and England defender Michael Keane didn’t even make the bench.
His omission raised some eyebrows considering the drawn out nature of his switch to the Boys in Green.
But Ireland boss Stephen Kenny revealed: “Will had a tight groin. He missed one-and-a-half sessions so it interrupted his training week.
“He never really got to show what he had but he’s actually a very good player, very good.”
Celtic wing-back Liam Scales was the other player to miss both match day squads but Kenny has told him to keep the faith.
Former Shamrock Rovers ace Scales played for Kenny’s Under-21s and will stay on the radar.
“Liam is just emerging,” said Kenny. “He did really well at Shamrock Rovers, a brilliant season.
“He is versatile and will be looking to try and get into the Celtic team.”
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